Courage, as it is seen in the lives of people, is an admired quality. It is the mental and/or moral strength which will get a person through a challenging time or situation.
After Moses’ death, God spoke to Joshua telling him the manner he was to take the people into the land which God was giving to them.
God knew it would take courage for Joshua to do so. God addressed the need for courage three times as He spoke with Joshua:
- “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” (Joshua 1:6, NASB)
- “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7, NASB)
- “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NASB)
Joshua is going to step into shoes which would be big and difficult to fill. God knows Joshua is the one to lead His people into the land, but is fully aware Joshua has hesitations.
And so we read the command to “Be courageous.” Why?
Then I began to wonder – Is there a difference between being courageous and being brave? Why didn’t God tell Joshua to be brave?
Much to my surprise, I found there is a difference between these two words.
Being brave, or bravery, is a quick act, usually in the moment. Courage is a conscious choice, a deeper choice, it is purpose driven and often requires perseverance.
Life will demand that we be courageous at times. We will need to be courageous and find our strength in the Lord in order to navigate the challenges.
We will need to know and obey God’s Word, being confident in what He has spoken.
Tucked in between the above three verses, we find one more command which God gave to Joshua:
“This book of
the law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate on it
day and night,
so that you may be careful to do according to all that is
written in it;
for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you
will have success.”
(verse 8, NASB)
God commanded Joshua to think on, speak out, and live by God’s Word. Meditation means repeating the precepts of Scripture, talking about them while we ponder how to best apply those very precepts effectively to our lives.
It will take courage to live out our purposes.
We will need to meditate on and obey His Word,
“Be courageous.”
Reflection:
What are your thoughts on courage? How do you find courage when facing the challenges of life?
Photo by Micah & Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash
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